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Minister Cannon Takes Part in Transatlantic Dialogue Meeting with President of Council of the European Union

(No. 288 - October 1, 2009 - 2:00 p.m. EDT) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and President of the Council of the European Union, Carl Bildt, to Ottawa. Minister Bildt is in Canada, with senior EU officials, to take part in a transatlantic dialogue between Canada and the EU.

“This will be an excellent opportunity to address a wide range of common international concerns, as a demonstration of the diverse and strategic relationship that we share with the EU,” said Minister Cannon.

Participants discussed the international community’s approach to key current issues, including the Middle East peace process, Iran, Honduras, Sudan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both ministers Cannon and Bildt also reaffirmed their commitment to work for a successful UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen at the end of this year.

“I look forward to the first full round of negotiations for a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with the EU, which will take place later this month,” said Minister Cannon. “We are following through on the commitment made by Prime Minister Harper at the Canada-EU Summit in May to work toward an agreement between Canada and the world’s largest market.”

Before the Canada-EU meeting, ministers Cannon and Bildt discussed the Arctic and other issues of concern to Canada and Sweden.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Natalie SarafianPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs613-995-1851